Quick Picks; Week Seven
Every week throughout the season, we make our Quick Picks (in bold) on the upcoming slate of games, focusing on the key points for each match-up. After Week Six saw the league’s last remaining undefeated team lose, both conferences are wide open. Here are Week Seven’s picks.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders (TNF)
The Chiefs are primed for a bounce back win after suffering their first loss of the season. They face a struggling Raiders team with a porous defense and quarterback Derek Carr still dealing with a back injury. Despite two of their top receivers likely out with concussions, Kansas City should keep pace atop the AFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Buffalo Bills
The Buccaneers struggled last week against Arizona and now face a stout Bills defense that is coming off a bye. Jameis Winston will probably play, but he won’t be 100% after suffering an injury last week. After watching Adrian Peterson run all over Tampa Bay, LeSean McCoy could have a big game.
Carolina Panthers @ Chicago Bears
Coming off a close loss to the Philadelphia, Carolina now faces the Bears. Chicago looks better on offense with rookie Mitch Trubisky at quarterback, but the UNC product will be in for a rough game against Carolina’s defense. However, Jordan Howard could replicate Philly’s ground game success against the Panthers to keep the game close.
Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Browns
Marcus Mariota played through injury to beat the Colts and has another week to get healthy ready for Cleveland. The Browns have serious quarterback issues in addition to their other struggles, so could Cody Kessler return and give them a spark?
New Orleans Saints @ Green Bay Packers
With Aaron Rodgers likely done for the year, Brett Hundley takes over against a Saints defense that is playing well. Green Bay’s struggles on defense will come to the fore without Rodgers, and Hundley will struggle to keep pace with a suddenly-balanced New Orleans attack.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have been serviceable with Jacoby Brissett, but facing one of the league’s best defenses could be too much for the former Patriot. Leonard Fournette should set the tone after Indy gave up 168 rushing yards to the Titans while Jacksonville’s defense throttles the Colts.
Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams (London)
The NFC West travels to Twickenham as the Cardinals and Rams square off. Adrian Peterson will play in London for the second time this season after a sensational debut for the Cardinals. But he faces a Rams defense that essentially corralled Fournette aside from an early 75 yard touchdown run. Sean McVay should find a way to pick apart Arizona’s inconsistent defense.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins
Despite an unexpected comeback against Atlanta, the Dolphins are still one of the most inconsistent teams in the league. The same can’t be said of the Jets, who have played well. After almost beating the Patriots, Gang Green could steal a win in Miami.
Baltimore Ravens @ Minnesota Vikings
Joe Flacco has thrown twice as many interceptions as touchdowns this season and now faces a good Vikings defense with hardly any playmakers around him. Case Keenum is playing well and can let his talented team-mates Kyle Rudolph, Adam Thielen, and Jerick McKinnon pick the Ravens apart.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers
After a big win against the Chiefs, Pittsburgh is primed for a trap game against a Bengals team coming off a bye. Cincinnati’s offense has turned itself around under Bill Lazor and could hang with the Steelers if Big Ben struggles again. Cincinnati’s defense has played well, but T.J. Watt could have a breakout performance against Andy Dalton’s line.
Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have been competitive and close to a win all year, having lost their last five games by a combined 14 points. Rookie C.J. Beathard played well after Brian Hoyer was benched and Dallas’ defense is a suspect unit. San Francisco’s defensive front could shut down Ezekiel Elliott as the 49ers finally get a big win.
Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers
Denver were surprised by the Giants but should bounce back against Los Angeles. But the Chargers played the Broncos close in Week One and are coming off two straight wins thanks to strong performances from Melvin Gordon. Will it be enough against Denver’s defense?
Seattle Seahawks @ New York Giants
The Giants upset Denver last week but now face a Seattle defense which is returning from a bye. Without Odell Beckham, New York should struggle to score points in a low scoring game where the Seahawks could also struggle offensively.
Atlanta Falcons @ New England Patriots (SNF)
Sunday Night’s Super Bowl rematch could be another shootout, especially with Atlanta facing the league’s worst defense. But after blowing a 17 point lead against Miami, the spectre of February’s heartbreaking Lombardi loss could creep back in for the Falcons, leaving the Patriots to get a big win to halt their critics.
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles look like the class of both the NFC East and the conference as a whole. But Washington is playing well on both sides of the ball, and the offense still has room to improve. Philly’s balanced attack around Carson Wentz and a strong defensive line could make the difference to take a commanding lead in the division.
